These 9 Unique Places To Stay In San Francisco Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Coming out to San Francisco? Lucky you! Of course, your first order of business is picking your ideal accommodation, a feat that can seem pretty daunting given the myriad options in our little 7×7 town. So, here we offer some of the more unique places to stay in San Francisco to make your trip here that much more unforgettable.

We'll admit the location of this hotel is not totally optimal, but it's certainly a sweet oasis in the heart of the Tenderloin. Many San Francisco residents know this as the famous rock 'n' roll motor lodge, which has been known to host big rock stars, from Pearl Jam to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Inside, you've got sleek, clean digs with a retro-chic vibe and a great restaurant and bar. Cross your fingers for a warm, sunny day so you can take advantage of the pool!

Located in the Lower Nob Hill neighborhood, this iconic spot was once a prohibition-era speakeasy, but it's name comes from something even more intriguing: Back when the hotel was named the Empire, it served as the setting for the Alfred Hitchcock film Vertigo. Nowadays, you can watch the movie on repeat in the lobby or simply enjoy the hotel's baroque-touched fusion of retro and modern design.

Since 1904, this spot in the Upper Haight has been a refuge for many travelers and artists. It was a major gathering place for the hippies, where political protests and talks of peace, love, and rock 'n' roll helped galvanize many young, inspired souls. The hotel was renovated in 2014 and offers both hostel and private rooms. They bill the spot as a "collaborative community space," and continue to uphold the ideals of the hippies by offering a safe spot for all. You can even stay in the "Summer of Love" Room.

This historic spot is the first and only hotel in the beautiful Presidio, a national park on the edge of the Golden Gate. Built in 1903, it was once used as a home for unmarried officers when the area was a U.S. Army post. It's now a gorgeous, country-chic boutique hotel that features just 22 accommodations. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings (with several trails nearby), the outdoor deck with a fire pit, and the evening wine-and-cheese reception.

The location here is also not so ideal (the Bayview-Hunters Point district is far from any attractions and is one of San Francisco's most dangerous areas—though there is a growing artist community in the area, in its very near the freeway), but, hey, you can stay in a 19th-century castle! In San Francisco! This 2,000-square-foot home is being rented out on VRBO for roughly less than a grand per night. Learn more about it here.

Up for seeing and meeting a little slice of San Francisco history? This 1890 Victorian mansion located in the posh Pacific Heights 'hood has all sorts of antique touches—including a purported ghost. The house was once home to a school for girls run by Miss Mary Lake, who may be found lurking in her room, #410. But ignore all that, and relax in the piano salon, cozy up by the fireplace, and feel like you're living the high life in San Francisco, as it once was.

This Union Square hotel's motto? "A San Francisco hotel that's as unique as you." That bold statement can be backed up by its playful, modern design (some influenced by Jack Kerouac's "On the Road), and rooms that include the Haagen-Dazs "Sweet Suite" for ice cream fanatics, Kathy Griffin's "D-List Suite" designed by the comedian, and Jerry Garcia's "J. Garcia Suite" for the true Deadheads.

Since its location in Bernal Heights is a bit away from the typical tourist hot spots, this cozy cottage is reserved for travelers looking for that truly local experience. As proclaimed on Airbnb, it's owned by "two well known artists" who suggest you even can write a book in their lovely, quiet garden. That's right, live your literary fantasies right here in San Francisco.

Flash back to the 1930s at this hip boutique hotel near Union Square, perfect for art and literary buffs. Their rooms have a retro-bohemian vibe, featuring original artwork and hand-painted lamps. You can also enjoy a large library, a free nightly wine hour, live music and poetry readings at the in-house Library Bar.

Stephanie is a freelance writer and editor based in San Francisco, California. When she's not tapping at a keyboard, she can be found leading groups on gourmet chocolate walking tours (best job ever) or running the many lovely hills and stairs of the city (to burn off all that chocolate, of course). She also runs a travel blog with her husband at Big & Small Travel (bigandsmalltravel.com).